Russell William “Bill” Butz Jr.

Date of Death: July 15, 2025

Service Details

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held Sunday, July 20, 2025 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at the Stemaly home, 202 E. Adams St., Three Rivers.

Obituary Notice

Russell William “Bill” Butz Jr., 82, of Three Rivers, passed away Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born July 20, 1942 in Jackson, the son of Russell W. and Ruby E. (Vick) Butz, and graduated from Litchfield High School with the Class of 1960.

After graduating from culinary school, Bill moved to Sturgis to manage the Elias Brothers Big Boy restaurant, which he did for more than 30 years until his retirement. He was a chef at heart, but loved talking to customers. He was very invested in his employees – often hiring high school students and attending their football and basketball games.

He loved to boat, keeping one on Klinger Lake, and attend car shows with his two custom cars.

In 1971, Bill married Shirley J. Coggins, whom he met when she was a credit manager at Montgomery Ward’s and he went to open a credit account. The two shared 53 wonderful years together.

He had a very funny sense of humor and a very big heart, always wanting to help people. At Christmastime he dressed as Santa Claus to deliver gifts to the families of his employees. He also loved animals, especially his chow, Tuffy.

Remaining to cherish his memory are his wife, Shirley Butz; children, William “Bill” (Frances “Candy”) Butz, John (Deanna) Carlos, and Idy (Judson) Stemaly; 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and by his sister, Betty Hetzel.

Additional Information

Donations in Bill’s memory may be directed to the St. Joseph County Commission on Aging or to Gentiva Hospice. Envelopes will be available at Hohner Funeral Home and at his celebration of life.

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